3/11/2005

“He’s a Non-Candidate”

Former Sen. Rod Grams continues to prefer leveling his ”kingmaker” charge against the state GOP than…what’s the word?…campaigning. In the latest edition of D.C.’s premier congressional newspaper, Grams levels accusations, curses, promises widespread U.S. House and Senate support and is generally written-off by most Minnesota GOP insiders:

“There’s a feeling that the state party is trying to be kingmakers and usurping [the convention delegates’] role,” Grams, now a Washington lobbyist, said. “The delegates won’t even be elected until March of next year.” “We’ve got almost two years; this is awfully early to do this,” he added. Eibensteiner reiterated that he has not and would not endorse a candidate until after next year’s state party convention, but that has done little to quiet Grams….

“He can say what he wants but that’s bulls**t,” Grams charged. “He’s just trying to dictate.”

Classy. Maybe such behavior is partially the reason for views like this:

“Whether he drops out or not, he’s a non-candidate, “ said one Republican insider who did not want to be identified. “Everybody in the party knows that his chances are slim to none and slim left town a long time ago.”….

Grams “lost his last race against a weak candidate and he’s going to be up against a tough candidate and everybody wants to win,” explained Scott Johnson, contributor to the Powerline web site, a Minnesota-based political web log. But beyond his defeat, what may hurt him more is what he has done since then. “Since 2000 he has not helped in any way,” the Republican insider said. “He has not helped other Republicans get elected, he hasn’t done any fundraising; he has dropped out of sight.”

The former Senator also seems to be engaging in a political flight-of-fancy vis-à-vis his expected support statewide and nationally. The result is, unfortunately, a bit sad to behold:

”For his part, Grams, who owns three radio stations in central Minnesota, believes he will still have the support of those who helped him in 2000. “I’ve got a lot of support as well; we just have to wait until we can figure out” who wins the nominating convention, he said.

Grams also said that, when the time comes, he is confident many of his former House and Senate colleagues will come to Minnesota and stump on his behalf and help him raise money.

“I think I can have a lot of support and Senators who will come and campaign if I ask, when I ask, and a lot of House Members too,” he said.”